The Kremlin has changed its strategy with regard to the territories controlled by the militants. What are the latest developments initiated by “DNR” and “LNR” terrorist groups? Is there a general Big Plan that includes the integration of the “DNR/LNR” puppet states into Russia?
Step 1. DOCUMENTS
The Russian president laid the first stone… Vladimir Putin’s decree on the recognition of all “documents” issued in the occupied territories spread quickly and widely on social networks and through international media. The political community was stunned, and didn’t know what to make of it.
Not only does Russia now recognize “DNR and LNR passports”, but it also accredits their diplomas, birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, and license plates.
“It was quite a demonstrative move! Moreover, the decree was signed during talks in Munich, and all the diplomats were in shock. In fact, they’d all agreed on one thing, but Putin went behind their backs and did the complete opposite!” says political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko.
Step 2. THE ECONOMY
Attacking big business in the occupied territories… The ink hadn’t even dried on the Kremlin’s decree on the recognition of “DNR and LNR documents” when “DNR” leader Oleksandr Zakharchenko declared that all Ukrainian enterprises would be “nationalized”.
The separatists immediately announced that all taxes would now flow into their treasury, all products would be delivered to Russia and occupied Crimea, and that 95 wagons had already crossed the border into Russia.
“Whatever you call it – expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or simply occupation of Ukrainian enterprises and their transfer into the hands of Russian oligarchs – it has destroyed Ukraine in the Donbas. This is a very dangerous strategy; such action can be extremely dangerous.” stated President Petro Poroshenko.
Step 3. THE BORDER
It used to be called the contact line, but now it’s the “border”… another invention of the “DNR/LNR authorities”. Moreover, the border will be mobile, and this was confirmed by a special decree.
“If the front line reaches Sloviansk in ten days, then that will be the state border. If the front line reaches Kharkiv in 50 days, then the border will move accordingly. You know what I mean… we’re talking about the front line, and we all know that these lines move…” said Zakharchenko.
STEP 4. THE ARMY
Liquidate all persona non grata… Political experts believe that Givi and Motorola were probably targeted and eliminated. The ORDLO “army” (occupied regions in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts) is totally controlled by the Russian General Staff.
“All the officers – from platoon commander to corps commanders – are professional soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Therefore, they don’t want any loose ends – so-called heroes who used to wash cars or guard supermarkets – in the ranks of their army.” points out military expert Oleh Zhdanov.
STEP 5. INTEGRATION
Another sign of things to come… the creation of an integration committee called “Russia-Donbas”. Recently, “DNR/LNR” leaders Plotnytsky and Zakharchenko met in occupied Crimea. They didn’t hide their goals, namely to strengthen ties with the Kremlin at all levels.
“Our historical past, present and future is inextricably linked to “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World).” said “LNR” leader Ihor Plotnytsky.
Experts maintain that all these steps focus on one objective – the creation of two independent states, similar to South Ossetia, in the occupied territories of Eastern Ukraine.
These “republics” may be officially recognized by the Kremlin before the next election, or maybe even next year. That would be a great populist move. Then these “republics” would slowly drift toward Russia.Both sides – the “DNR/LNR” and the Kremlin – are taking more and more steps in the same direction, and just recently, they’ve quickened the pace. Now, it’s important for both of them to stay the course. After all, the Minsk process is getting weaker and weaker, and it’s harder and harder for Russia to maintain control of these territories..” says military journalist Arkadiy Babchenko.
